Current Research Projects

"Comprehensive Physicochemical Characterization of Nanocellulose Materials”. The major goal of this work is to detect and measure the nanometer-sized components within micro-fibrillated cellulose materials. Physicochemical characterization of the materials include microscopy, spectroscopy, spectrometry, and chromatography.

"Physicochemical, Biological, and Immunological Optimization of microRNA-loaded Liposomes”. The overarching goal of this project is to advance the utility of miRNA replacement therapy in treating cancer with respect to synthesis, efficacy and reduction of immune related adverse events.

"Comparing the Basal-level Gene and Protein Expressions of Human Cell-Types”. Using cell culture-based models to measure the hazards of particle systems has become routine and derivative over the past few years. The research presented in this study analyzes the differences among cells retrieved from varying depths of the pulmonary system and in varying diseased states. There is a need to advance cell line use and suggest guidelines on which cells to use for specific experiments.

"Community Health on a Global Health Spectrum." This project reviews the current research in Global Health and describes a multi-faceted framework to understand and incentivize individuals to improve environmental health in their locality. We hypothesize that by tackling the misconceptions around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it relates to community and individual health, involvement of community stakeholders will improve. It is hoped that the community can not only contribute to a creative solution to reduce GHG emissions, but to also educate and incentivize those individuals who are not traditionally included in the conversation.

"Investigating Traffic-Related Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure on the Basal Gene and Protein Expressions in Normal and Asthma-Derived Epithelial Lung Cells”. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the toxicological relationships between human lung epithelial cells diseased state and exposure to diesel particulate matter. Individuals living near roadways may be at risk for detrimental airway malformation and exacerbated respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.